Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (05-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Internal Security: Centre, Tripura sign peace pact with Tripura insurgent groups |
| Environment and Ecology: ANIIDCO in news |
| Science and Technology: Genome mapping of Chandipura Virus by Researchers |
| Economy- Latest ILO study links AI to dip in labour income |
| Art and Culture: Dockyard at Lothal, Gujarat, during Harappan Civilisation |
Centre, Tripura sign peace pact with Tripura insurgent groups
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Internal Security, GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: Peace pact inked with 2 rebel groups in Tripura
Why in News
- The Centre, Tripura government and two major insurgent groups – National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) – signed a peace agreement in the presence of Union home minister to end violence in the state.
Overview
- The recent developments in Tripura mark a significant step towards peace and development in the state and the broader Northeastern region of India.
- Union Home Minister announced that over 300 armed members from two insurgent groups, the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All-Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), have decided to renounce violence and integrate into mainstream society.
- This shift is seen as a contribution not just to the development of Tripura, but also to the nation as a whole.
Background of NLFT and ATTF
- The NLFT and ATTF were insurgent groups in Tripura, active since the late 1980s and early 1990s, respectively.
- Their primary goal was to address grievances related to the tribal population of Tripura, especially the loss of land and identity due to migration and integration with the Union of India.
- These groups were responsible for significant violence, including the deaths of hundreds of people.
- They operated largely out of camps in Bangladesh.
- NLFT, formed in 1989 under Biswamohan Debbarma, sought to liberate Tripura from India and reclaim tribal land that was allegedly lost to “foreigners” who migrated after 1956.
- ATTF, established in 1990, had similar objectives, including the removal of illegal migrants from the electoral rolls and the enforcement of the ‘Tripura Merger Agreement’ of 1949.
Peace Agreement and Its Importance
A Memorandum of Settlement was signed by the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and these two insurgent groups. As part of the agreement:
- 328 armed cadres from the NLFT and ATTF agreed to abandon violence, surrender arms, and disband their armed wings.
- The cadres committed to participating in peaceful democratic processes and upholding the integrity of India.
The pact is seen as a continuation of the Modi government’s focus on resolving insurgency issues in the Northeast through dialogue and development rather than military force.
This agreement is one of several efforts to resolve long-standing conflicts in the region.
Development Initiatives
- To support the integration of former insurgents and the development of the tribal population, the central government has approved a special financial package of ₹250 crore.
- The package is aimed at uplifting tribal communities and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as economic disparity and cultural marginalization.
Broader Impact on the Northeast
- This is the 12th peace agreement signed in the Northeastern region, reflecting a broader trend of resolving insurgencies through dialogue.
- According to Amit Shah, these agreements have helped nearly 10,000 insurgents lay down arms and reintegrate into society.
- The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful and developed Northeast, with efforts focused on improving connectivity (roads, railways, and flights) and bridging emotional distances between the region and the rest of India.
Tripura’s Growing Stability
- Tripura has seen significant improvements in security and governance, including the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 2015, signaling reduced insurgency and violence.
- The government’s focus is now on development, preservation of local cultures, and the overall betterment of the tribal population.
- The peace agreement with the NLFT and ATTF marks the end of a 35-year-long conflict in Tripura and sets the stage for long-term peace and development in the region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent peace agreement in Tripura:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which Schedule of the Constitution of India contains special provisions for the administration and control of Scheduled Areas in several States? (2008)
(a) Third Ans: (b) |
| Answer 1-D
Explanation:
|
About ANIIDCO
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO)
Why in News
- ANIIDCO has been chosen as the project proponent for a massive ₹72,000 crore infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island.
Overview
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) is located in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
- The project, promoted by NITI Aayog, includes the construction of key facilities like a trans-shipment port, a greenfield airport, a tourism township, and a solar and gas-based power plant.
- However, there are concerns about whether ANIIDCO, a relatively small and obscure agency, has the capacity and expertise to manage such a complex and environmentally sensitive project.
Overview of ANIIDCO
- Incorporated on June 28, 1988, ANIIDCO was established under the Companies Act with the goal of developing and commercially exploiting the natural resources of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a balanced and environmentally friendly manner.
- Its activities include the trading of petroleum products, Indian-made foreign liquor, and milk.
- It also manages tourism resorts and is involved in infrastructure development for tourism and fisheries.
- Despite being tasked with this mega infrastructure project, ANIIDCO’s annual turnover and profits are modest, averaging ₹370 crore and ₹35 crore over the last three years.
Concerns About ANIIDCO’s Capabilities
Lack of Expertise:
- When ANIIDCO was appointed as the project proponent in July 2020, it lacked critical infrastructure, such as an environmental policy or an environment cell.
- It did not have the human resources necessary to oversee or implement the project, which is a cause for concern given the scale of the project.
- It was only two years later, in 2022, that ANIIDCO began the process of recruiting experts in fields such as urban planning, environmental planning, infrastructure, and legal and financial affairs.
Environmental Governance Issues:
- In May 2021, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union environment ministry asked ANIIDCO key questions about its environmental governance.
- ANIIDCO admitted that it did not have a corporate environment policy in place at the time.
- Despite this, the EAC granted environmental clearance to the project in November 2022.
Conflict of Interest
- There have been several conflicts of interest in the project approval process.
- For example, the managing director of ANIIDCO was also the Commissioner cum Secretary of Environment and Forests, meaning the project proponent was certifying itself for environmental approvals.
- Similarly, the Chief Secretary of the islands, who is also the chairman of ANIIDCO’s board of directors, was part of the high-powered committee responsible for addressing complaints against the project.
- This overlap has raised concerns about impartiality in decision-making and compliance.
Legal Challenges and Environmental Concerns
- The Conservation Action Trust, a Mumbai-based organization, filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging the forest clearance granted to ANIIDCO.
- The petition highlighted that key individual within ANIIDCO also held positions responsible for ensuring environmental compliance, effectively creating a situation where ANIIDCO was responsible for evaluating its own actions.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO):
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)? (2022)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Ans : A |
| Answer 2 – C
Explanation:
|
Latest ILO study links AI to dip in labour income
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy, Science and Technology,
Context: World Employment and Social Outlook and impact on AI
Why in News
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released its World Employment and Social Outlook: September 2024 Update.
Overview
- World Employment and Social Outlook: September 2024 Update highlights growing global inequality, stagnation in labour income, and high youth unemployment.
- The report, released in Geneva, emphasizes that one of the key factors driving the fall in labour income is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological innovations.
Key Findings:
Decline in Labour Income Share:
- The share of global income earned by workers has been steadily decreasing. According to the ILO, labour income dropped by 0.6 percentage points from 2019 to 2022 and has not improved since.
- If the labour income share had stayed at 2004 levels, workers would have earned $2.4 trillion more in 2024.
- This decline is partly driven by automation-based technological innovations, which have boosted labour productivity but reduced the share of income going to workers, thereby increasing inequality.
Impact of AI and Technology:
- While AI and technological advancements have increased productivity, they have also reduced the need for human labour in certain areas, leading to a reduction in labour income share.
- The ILO warns that without strong policy interventions, this trend could worsen, further reducing the share of income going to workers.
COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbated Inequality:
- The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in worsening global inequality. The report shows that nearly 40% of the reduction in labour income between 2019 and 2022 occurred during the pandemic, a time when wealth became more concentrated among the richest individuals.
- The pandemic deepened existing disparities, especially between those who earn labour income (workers) and those who earn capital income (profits from investments), slowing progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which seeks to reduce inequality within and among countries.
Recommendations:
Policy Measures to Address Inequality:
- The ILO emphasizes the need for governments to promote equitable distribution of the economic gains from technological progress.
- This includes ensuring that the benefits of AI and automation are shared widely, rather than concentrated among the wealthiest.
- The report suggests implementing policies that support freedom of association, collective bargaining, and effective labour administration to reduce inequality and create inclusive growth.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) World Employment and Social Outlook: September 2024 Update:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 3 only |
Q. International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to (2018)
(a) Child Labour (b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change (c) Regulation of food prices and food security (d) Gender parity at the workplace Ans: (a) |
| Answer 3- C
Explanation
|
Genome mapping of Chandipura Virus by Researchers
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV)
Why in News
- The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has published the only fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV).
What is Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV)?
- Chandipura Vesiculovirus is a viral infection known to cause Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), which leads to brain swelling.
- It causes fever, headaches, encephalitis, and can quickly progress to convulsions, coma, and death.
- The disease progresses rapidly, often within 72 hours of symptoms appearing.
- It primarily affects children under 15 years of age and has a high mortality rate (up to 75% in some cases).
- The virus is spread by sandflies, ticks, and the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya.
- Sandflies were responsible for spreading the virus during the 2024 outbreak in Gujarat.
Genome Mapping: What and Why?
Genome mapping refers to identifying the location of genes on an organism’s chromosomes. In the case of CHPV, the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) mapped the genome of the virus to:
- Understand its origin and evolution.
- Detect any mutations that could make the virus more transmissible or deadly.
- Develop tools such as testing kits, vaccines, and treatments.
Genome sequencing is crucial for tracking viruses and preparing for future outbreaks, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings by GBRC
- No Major Change in Genetic Makeup:
- The CHPV virus hasn’t changed significantly since the 2003-04 outbreak.
- There were only four mutations in the glycoprotein gene compared to the 2003-04 virus, and only one amino acid change between 2012 and 2024.
- This suggests the virus is not under evolutionary pressure to evade immunity because a large portion of the population hasn’t developed antibodies, unlike fast-spreading viruses like COVID-19.
- Low Viral Load, But Still Deadly:
- Despite the low viral load detected (high Ct value in RT-PCR tests), the virus was still able to cause severe symptoms and fatalities. This suggests that even a small amount of the virus is dangerous.
- Not Imported from Abroad:
- The genome sequence matched previous Indian outbreaks, confirming that the virus was not imported from outside India but had been circulating within the country since earlier outbreaks.
Significance of Findings
These findings are crucial in understanding the virus’s behavior and preventing future outbreaks:
- The low mutation rate indicates that the virus is stable, but still poses a high threat.
- The low viral load but high severity of symptoms shows that even mild infections should not be underestimated.
- The fact that the virus is not imported suggests it is endemic, requiring localized surveillance and control measures.
This research will help in the development of vaccines and therapeutics and guide policymakers in responding to future outbreaks of CHPV.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements about Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV) and the recent findings by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 4 only |
Q. Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? (2021)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Ans: d |
| Answer 4- A
Explanation
|
Dockyard at Lothal, Gujarat, during Harappan Civilisation
Source: NewsOnAir
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/dockyard-lothal-gujarat-9548119/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 Art and Culture
Context: Study on Lothal’s Dockyard and the Sabarmati River
Why in News
- The study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) aims to settle debates about the existence of a dockyard at Lothal, a Harappan site in Gujarat.
Historical River Course:
- The researchers discovered that the Sabarmati River, which currently flows 20 km away from Lothal, originally flowed directly by the site.
- The river’s historical course was mapped using satellite images and digital elevation models, revealing that Lothal was strategically located on a significant river route.
Inland Trade Network:
- Evidence suggests that Lothal was part of an inland network connecting it to various significant sites:
- The route extended from Lothal to the Nal Sarovar wetland, then to the Little Rann of Kutch, and finally to Dholavira.
- This network indicates that Lothal was well-connected for trade, supporting the hypothesis of its dockyard functionality.
Support for Dockyard Hypothesis:
- The study reinforces the theory that Lothal had a dockyard, countering previous arguments that the basin discovered at the site was merely an irrigation tank.
- The basin, measuring 222 x 37 meters, was initially thought to be an irrigation structure, but the new evidence supports its role as a dockyard.
Trade and Connectivity:
- Traders likely used the Gulf of Khambhat and traveled via Ratanpura to acquire materials and then transported them to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).
- The research indicates that the trade routes included maritime and riverine paths, highlighting Lothal’s importance in ancient trade networks.
Methodology of the Study
- Data Utilization:
- The researchers employed a combination of early maps, satellite imagery, and digital elevation models.
- Topographic Maps: They focused on 19th-century maps to identify paleochannels (ancient riverbeds) and differentiate them from current streams.
- Satellite Imagery: Satellite images were crucial for identifying the historical course of the Sabarmati River and its changes over time.
- Technological Approaches:
- Multi-Sensor Data and Cloud Computing: These technologies facilitated the analysis of historical river paths and geomorphic changes.
- Digital Elevation Models: 3D models provided insights into topographical changes and river shifts.
- Efficiency Gains:
- Satellite imagery allowed the researchers to save significant time compared to traditional ground surveys, improving the efficiency and accuracy of their study.
Lothal
- Lothal was one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley civilization (IVC), located in the Bhāl region of what is now the state of Gujarat.
- The port city is believed to have been built in 2,200 BC.
- Lothal was a thriving trade center in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.
- The meaning of Lothal (a combination of Loth and (s) thal) in Gujarati is “the mound of the dead.
- Incidentally, the name of the city of Mohenjo-daro (also part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, now in Pakistan) means the same in Sindhi.
- Lothal had the world’s earliest known dock, which connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra.
Discovery:
- Indian archaeologists started the search for cities of the Harappan Civilisation post-1947 in Gujarat’s Saurashtra.
- Archaeologist SR Rao led the team which discovered a number of Harappan sites at the time, including the port city of Lothal.
- Excavation work was carried out in Lothal between February 1955 and May 1960.
Identification of Dockyard:
- The National Institute of Oceanography in Goa discovered marine microfossils and salt, gypsum crystals at the site, indicating that sea water once filled the structure and it was definitely a dockyard.
- In later excavations, ASI unearthed a mound, a township, a marketplace, and the dock.
- Adjacent to the excavated areas stands the archaeological site museum, where some of the most prominent collections of Indus-era antiquities in India are displayed.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following statements about the recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) on Lothal is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
|
Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is wellknown for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021)
(a) Dholavira Ans: (a) |
| Answer 5- C
Explanation
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